If Hemir got on on Saturday he'd certainly know he'd been in a game as their centre backs aren't exactly subtle. Dont think it's the right game for him, we probably need more mobile forwards to drag the CB out of position, perhaps give him a chance in the last 20 mins against tiring defenders.? I certainly think that we need to let him have some time on the pitch before the end of the season just to help him to get acclimatised to the league. It would stand him in good stead for next season.
Yeah thats sort of my reasoning for wanting him to play. If he can hack it against Millwall he can hack it against anyone.
Same here I think CM/DM is his natural position. Good player. Feels like O'Nien in midfield is never going to happen again because he's too valuable in defence. At least if we play 3 CBs any one of him, Ballard, Seelt, Hume or Alese can step into midfield when appropriate and let the midfield two step up the pitch.
the trouble is Ba has had as many bad games as Roberts. Ba is younger and has a bit more scope to learn but Roberts has been Isolated by change in tactics and formation. However you are pointing out the last few games and in particular the Blackburn game where Roberts was given a start which TBH was a mistake by Dodds given that he had been injured for 8-10 weeks. If we sell Roberts I think it would be a mistake as he is one of the more senior players we have and all our fans keep banging on about experience in the squad, then you want to sell more because of a poor season. I said earlier a balanced view would be to look at the reasons for the poor season for him. TM left who obviously held PR in high regard. MD took over as interim who obviously thinks of him as one of the best in the league, then MB takes over and talks about him in glowing regard even though he was injured most of the time, then MD comes back in and as soon as PR is fit he plays him against Blackburn when he obviously was not ready but MD believed he may be able to affect the game (it was PR worst game in a Sunderland shirt for me). Obviously all of these changes to systems and tactics, through injuries and to coaching and training have had some impact on his form probably more than most to be honest. So while I don't disagree that at this moment in time he is not playing well I look at what all the coaches have said and think that in general the cream rises to the top and we may well have a team next season where PR shines. If he continues to struggle next year then you may well have proved your point but I still think a little patience is required as after all not all our players have shone this season because if they had we would be higher up the league.
Great as ever RTB many thanks,this is another one I miss due to being away with work seems like I’ve missed more than I’ve attended this season, I’m gona go 3-1 to the lads and hope everyone is thoroughly entertained,shame for Dan Neil think he’s had a good season to date but one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity enjoy all COME ON
I think he'll go four at the back for this match. Patto, Hume,Ballard,O9,Aji,Styles,Ekwah,Rigg,Roberts,Jobe,Clarke
please log in to view this image 5 AT THE BACK, NO ROBERTS, STYLES AND PEMBELE REMAIN AT WINGBACK. I doubt we'll see this, but Hume has all the tools to sit and sweep whilst Ekwah has more freedom.
I was thinking “arse in Woolf’s window” if we see it. Not that I think it’s a bad shout. I also agree with @alcoauth that Hume has the tools to be a dm. Although sometimes dives in too much
It's not just the last few games, it's all season. Even last season he was the weakest link within the attack when the side was fit. I don't care if he's 'experienced' because he's certainly not showing it. He's being outplayed by a 16 y/o playing out of position. He's on a big wage within the context of our club and it would be great to get it off the books.
Equally it’d be great if he could regenerate last season’s form. He was superb last season with Amad. I agree he’s been poor, but his ability can’t be questioned. We’ve all seen it. He’s had a poor season by the standards he set last season. For that I will give him time as I know he’s a good player
His ability absolutely can be questioned when his career has been more bad than good. As I have said, he is slow, poor passer, can't finish, his decision making is horrific, his defensive work is borderline pathetic, his dribbling is nowhere near as good as people make it out to be. All the numbers back me up also. There's probably 15+ wingers in the league i'd rather over him and if we are to improve and push for promotion we can't have average players who are passengers. No idea why people are so protective over him while players like Ba have been boo'd this season despite actually contributing.
…what’s he done so bad to you? Genuinely believe you’re the first person I’ve seen doubt Roberts’ ability.
That’s not ability though. It’s possibly attitude and definitely form. He is a quality footballer on his day. Absolutely superb and unplayable. Agree with @LD19SAFC not seen a. Single fan, particularly a Sunderland fan, other than you, question his ability. I watched him tear defences apart last season. He was no small part in our campaign to make the play offs
Tbh i'm sick of some players being held to different standards than others. I've seen players like Ba be boo'd off, Jobe get abuse, O'Nien gets **** every week, seen Humes abilty questioned and plenty others despite them having a positive contribution on this season. Roberts gets a free pass. Why? I have still yet to see someone tell me what he actually brings to the team without bringing up dribbling which is false and Amad who isn't at the club.
BUT ITS NOT LAST SEASON ANYMORE. What does he bring to the table that allows him a free pass yet others get boo'd despite contributing? He hasn't scored for 12 months next week.
Mate, with the utmost respect I think we did a great job of hashing out pro and con positions yesterday, I really don't think there's anything left on those bones to pick over, it's okay to disagree.
Someone quoted me, so I replied. Yeah it's ok to disagree, it's not ok to hold some players to higher standards than others and give them abuse while some players get free passes. People go on about needing higher standards at the club yet some of the same people defend a tragic season like this from one of the highest paid players at the club. When does he get seriously questioned without it just being brushed under the carpet as 'form' and 'tactics'?
